Girardi Co-Attorneys Lose Appeal on Elder Abuse, Fiduciary Duty Claims
September 3, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — A California appellate court has rejected efforts by two former co-counsel of disgraced attorney Tom Girardi to revive lawsuits alleging financial elder abuse and aiding in a breach of fiduciary duty. The ruling underscores the legal fallout that continues to unfold in connection with Girardi’s collapsed law empire and ongoing misconduct investigations. Court Says Claims Cannot Be Revived The co-attorneys had argued that Girardi and others were responsible for mismanaging settlement funds, including those owed to elderly clients. They sought to bring claims of elder abuse and fiduciary breaches, but the appellate panel affirmed a trial court’s dismissal. Judges ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the legal thresholds required to proceed under California’s elder abuse statutes. Girardi Legacy of Legal and Financial Turmoil Once one of California’s most prominent trial lawyers, Girardi’s downfall has been marked by bankruptcy, federal indictments, and professional disgrace. Allegations that settlement funds were siphoned from vulnerable clients—including widows, orphans, and elderly victims—have fueled nationwide scrutiny. This case reflects how former partners and associates are also struggling to separate themselves from his tainted legacy. Legal Experts Weigh In Observers note that the ruling reinforces courts’ reluctance to expand elder abuse statutes to attorney disputes between former colleagues. Instead, fiduciary duty and malpractice claims are being confined to more traditional boundaries. The appellate court’s decision may set an important precedent in future claims tied to Girardi’s fallout. For a deeper look into the ongoing Girardi cases and related court actions, readers can review the California Courts of Appeal opinions available on the California Courts official website. FAQs: Girardi Co-Attorneys Appeal What was the case about? Two of Tom Girardi’s former co-counsel attempted to bring elder abuse and fiduciary duty claims, alleging financial harm tied to settlement mismanagement. Why did the court reject the claims? The appeals court upheld the dismissal, finding that the allegations did not meet California’s legal standards for elder abuse or aiding and abetting fiduciary breaches. How does this relate to Girardi’s other cases? This ruling is part of a larger web of civil suits and criminal cases linked to Girardi’s misconduct, which include bankruptcy proceedings and federal fraud charges. What precedent does this set? The case highlights limits on applying elder abuse statutes to attorney disputes, signaling that future claims will face high scrutiny. Stay informed on the latest in legal accountability and financial crime by subscribing to JacobiJournal.com. 🔎 Read More from JacobiJournal.com:
Tom Girardi Sentenced to Over 7 Years for Stealing Millions from Injured Clients
June 9, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – Disbarred plaintiffs’ attorney Tom Girardi has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for embezzling tens of millions from clients awaiting treatment. Girardi’s fall from grace highlights a calculated betrayal of vulnerable individuals. Decade-Long Scheme: How Tom Girardi Defrauded Injured Clients From 2010 to late 2020, Girardi embezzled settlement money meant for injured clients. Instead of delivering funds, he used money to fuel his opulent lifestyle—private jets, luxury cars, jewelry, golf memberships, and millions funneled to his wife’s entertainment company. Ponzi-Style Misuse of Client Trust Funds Girardi ran his legal practice like a Ponzi scheme. After defrauding early clients, he used new settlement money to make small “stickers” of payments. He instructed staff, including co-defendant CFO Christopher Kamon, to shift funds around invalidly. Girardi also sent misleading updates, falsely citing tax issues, judge approvals, or bankruptcy concerns to avoid repayment. Conviction and Court’s Sentence A jury found Girardi guilty of four wire fraud counts in August 2024. Federal Judge Josephine L. Staton sentenced him to 87 months behind bars, ordered $2.3 million in restitution, and fined him $35,000. Girardi must report to federal custody by July 17, 2025. Additional Defendants Also Charged CFO Christopher Kamon pleaded guilty to two wire fraud counts in October 2024. On April 11, 2025, a judge sentenced him to 121 months in prison and nearly $9 million in restitution. Kamon remains in federal custody and faces additional fraud charges in Chicago alongside attorney David Lira. Collapse of a Legal Powerhouse By the end of 2020, mounting lawsuits and mounting debt forced Girardi Keese into involuntary bankruptcy. In July 2022, the State Bar of California disbarred Girardi. Today, the once-celebrated “legal legend” faces public disgrace and a lengthy prison term. Federal Investigators Praise Teamwork U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli called Girardi “a thief and a liar,” stressing the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute corrupt lawyers. IRS–Criminal Investigation and FBI agents also underscored their role in tracing financial misconduct, asserting that even prominent attorneys cannot escape justice. Federal investigators emphasized their commitment to prosecuting legal professionals who breach public trust, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Financial Fraud Division. FAQs: What crimes was Tom Girardi sentenced for? Tom Girardi was sentenced for four counts of wire fraud related to embezzling tens of millions of dollars from clients’ settlement funds. How long is Tom Girardi’s prison sentence? Girardi received an 87-month federal prison sentence, alongside $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine. What led to Tom Girardi’s disbarment? The State Bar of California disbarred Tom Girardi in 2022 following revelations of widespread client fund misappropriation, culminating in his firm’s bankruptcy. Stay updated on high-profile fraud cases and legal accountability. Subscribe to JacobiJournal.com for weekly insights on financial crime and enforcement actions. 🔎 Read More from JacobiJournal.com: